Alexandra’s Marion Vialade-Worch is a painter, a sculptor, an art teacher and a mum of two boys.What is special about where you live?“Alexandra is a wonderful place to grow a family. I knew it was true when I would walk in the streets, finding cul-de-sacs everywhere where kids would play soccer or rugby. Coming from a biggish town (back in France) where children don’t have these spaces available to play anymore, I saw a sign.Marion Vialade-Worch“The real reason is that Alexandra invited me to stay. I came to Central Otago with my husband, Antony, to make wine for a season. We kept coming back because of people, kind and supportive friends, who trusted us with their wine and wanted to keep us around.“The landscapes were a third reason. On his first visit, my father pointed out that Alexandra basin looks very much like the region I come from in the South of France. I had not consciously realised. It might be the reason I felt at home here, with the familiar vegetation and the dry hills. A home far from home.”How did you get started as an artist?“I am a self-taught artist. After high school, I was not allowed to pursue an artistic education, so I became a winemaker. I am from a vintner’s family back in France so it made sense.“But I am a creative and my artistic voice kept pushing to get out. That’s why, even if it took me a long time, I took the path of self-education. My curiosity about art supplies and processes pushed me to explore different techniques and media to learn about myself and my own style as an artist.“Nowadays, the process of creation has become a sort of meditation. Of course, I feel great delight when my idea matches the image in my mind or when it is surprisingly different from my original concept. But I have so many new ideas per minute that I am the happiest when I can jump to the next one calling my name.”Two chevaux crafted by Marion How have you ended up living and working here?“I was born in South of France, in a town with a big castle in the middle, calledCarcassonne.“I completed a master of winemaking and vine growing and a diploma of oenology, and my husband and I chose to come to New Zealand, a new world on the map of the wine industry, for a season.“After this first harvest at William Hill Vineyard in Alexandra, we kept on coming back… arriving earlier and leaving later, then spending most of the year here, and then we decided to settle here.“Feeling there was a demand for a new winery for the Alex Basin, our friends got us involved in the creation of Alexandra Vintners Ltd, a winemaking facility still making wine today.”Marion’s painting ‘Monotype’“My artistic practice took off and I swapped winemaking for printmaking. I found a little corner in the winery to establish my tiny studio. I am still there today, getting my hands dirty with paint and glue and ink.”What’s your favourite spot in Central?“My wee studio is my happy place but I also like painting outside (“plein air” as they say in France) and my favourite place to set up is on the riverbank, by the Mata-Au (Clutha), the Manuherikia, or the Fraser. “The sound of the water is so calming, it gets me in the flow. For a couple of hours, I am the river.”Marion enjoys creating art outsideWhat else are you involved in within the community?“Recently, I have been a part of the Clyde Museum exhibition ‘Sanctuary’.I offer art classes for adults and for children at Central Stories and I’m working toward more printmaking and paint making workshops. I have more projects, but it’s a bit early to talk about them just yet. What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?“Each time I go to Frankton’s Te Atamira art centre, I wish we had the same here. I would love to have a place of arts and culture, to nurture and showcase local arts (for young and old) from beginners to professionals, and from dance to visual arts, from music to theatre. “[It could have] artist’s studios, music and dance studios and a gallery, a common space for artists to catch and a space to get the community together around craft or pottery. I know of similar places in Wānaka and Queenstown but Cromwell and Alexandra lack the initiatives.“I am just an artist and not much of a project manager, so I am doing what I can while waiting for a miracle.”How can people find out more about your art?“I’m on social media (@MarionVialade on Facebook and on Instagram @marionvialade or @funwithbobanddoggo) or www.marionvialade-worch.com.“People can find me on the Central Otago District Arts Trust website and arrange to visit my studio (by appointment only). My work is also at the Forfar Road gallery in Roxburgh.”Marion’s piece Helas from the Clyde Museum’s exhibition Sanctuary What does the future look like for you?“At the time of the pandemic, I was part of the Hullabaloo art space in Cromwell. The gallery had to close and for a long while I didn’t show my work anywhere. When the gallery reopened, the visitors didn’t come back straight away, I felt down. And when the sales didn’t pick up again, I just gave up and quit. Like everyone else, I was lost, frightened by the uncertainty of our world.“The whole experience pushed me to review my situation. I took the time to reconnect with my inner artist and re-discover what makes me feel alive. Now I have found a new way to express myself and I have a new plan. “Fine art painting and commission works are still part of my practice, but I have turned my focus to illustration and storytelling through volume work and that makes me feel happy because it is so much fun. I am working towards more affordable artwork and a possible online shop in the future too.” 

Clyde’s Ross Cowie is an artist who works in many mediums, including painting, printmaking, sketching and pottery.What is special about your place?“Clyde [is] a beautiful historic town in the centre of Central Otago. An ideal spotto be able to travel around and enjoy the surrounding countryside which has much to offer.”How did you get started as an artist and what inspires you?“From a small child, I have always had a love for drawing and painting. This wasparticularly stimulated by teacher and well-known artist Frank Reed when I was instandard four, and extended through my art teacher at intermediate school. “Sadly an academic education did not include art and it was through my own interests that I have continued to dabble as a hobby during my working years. The desire to learnmore took me to an art school following my retirement which stimulated my wish tobecome more active. A still life painting in Ross’ studio “I was also an artist member of the Otago Art Society and part of a strong printmakers group where we undertook Intaglio and relief printing. As well as printmaking, I have enjoyed working in pencil, charcoal, soft pastels, acrylic and watercolours. My other interest is sculptural ceramics.”How have you ended up living in Central?“Born and bred in Dunedin, and apart from a short working stint in Wellington, havespent the majority of my working life in that city. Central Otago has been aplayground and holiday destination and it was always a desire to live here inretirement.”Some of his pottery pieces What’s your favourite spot in Central Otago?“[O]utside of enjoying my artistic activities, I enjoy pottering around our beautiful garden, which is an extension of my artistic endeavours…. I always enjoy the majesty and moods of the skies that can be seen here and I love to capture them in my work. This is particularly so over the Maniototo. Another favourite area because of its rawness and solitude is Poolburn and environs.”His studio has artwork in a variety of mediums What else are you involved in within the community?“I have a small art group, which initially started off as a drawing class, but throughtheir enthusiasm has continued on experimenting with other mediums. My wife and Ibelong to the local garden club and we both take a strong interest in local bodyactivities. Wherever possible we support any local cultural events.”What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central Otago?“The challenges I see are the increase in urbanisation in rural areas and smallertowns, a desire for high density residential developments, the increase in factorytype farming practices and random developments, such as the Clyde data centre,which [I see] as all eroding the unique values that Central Otago has.” A truck painted by Ross “Since building our house in Clyde 30 years ago, we have seen many changes to Central Otago. Many of these are positive, such as the bike trails. However, it is important to never lose sight of why people want to come to Central Otago.”How can people find out more about your art? “I’m on the Central Otago Arts Trail and have a small studio at our residence whichis open on request (call 0274 362424). I am still to embrace social media to lift my profile.”How did you manage through the Covid-19 pandemic?“The pandemic was no problem… The peace and quiet in Clyde was a real joy. I must admit, it made us a little reclusive and during the pandemic period, we did not have the studio open.”What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“I will continue with my endeavours, always trying new things and other mediums. I enjoy what I am doing for art's sake. However, it is always a pleasure when someone purchases a piece to enjoy on their walls.”

Bannockburn’s Rowan Klevstul is a photographer and published writer.Where do you live in Central Otago?“There’s a certain irony being a photographer of seascapes who lives in the heart of thedesert, Bannockburn. As the crow flies, we’re about the furthest settlement from the oceanNew Zealand has. “I actually really dig this contrast. I yearn for the sea, a horizon to fix my gaze upon. But after a few days at the beach, I get the urge to head again for the hills. I like the lightplay on the landscape here; the sharp winter air; the hazy Tuscan-gold of late summer eves.”How did you get started as an artist?“I remember running about as a kid on the Taieri with mum’s Instamatix camera. Myfavourite subject was cows. “Both my parents followed creative interests, so I guess it rubbed off. I took photography at high school, and then Polytech. I worked through the 2000s as senior contributor to New Zealand Surfing Magazine, and also exhibited my own ocean-themed landscape works, along with more mainstream photographic work and journalism.Rowan Klevstul“I make photos because I love the process of isolating symmetry, grace and energy within a frame. I’m addicted. I lose hours watching waves. “For my work, this usually starts with weather forecasting and years of attenuation to the sea combining prepping of gear and often driving all night to (hopefully) meet the perfect combination of light, atmosphere and swell somewhere far, far away.”Flight How have you ended up living and working here?“My brother and I inherited land in Bannockburn when our father passed away in 2000. Over the years I have come and gone. “On a visit home from Australia, I was stranded by Covid-19 restrictions, and have been in Bannockburn ever since. I like it here – think I’ll stick around.”FlumeWhat’s your favourite spot in Central?“In late summer, when it hasn’t rained for weeks, and the Kawarau is flowing a low, warmebb, there’s a sand-bottom pool not far from the Bannockburn Bridge that offers sweetrelief from the searing Central sun.”What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?“Finding the money to enable effective custodial decisions to be implemented for the benefit of the present community, while maintaining a high level of appeal for visitors from home and abroad. Infrastructure, amenities, environmental considerations and ambition need to be creatively balanced. Central Otago is a world class location with a very bright future.”Shore How can people find out more about your art?“I’m on Twitter under the name wet colour. I mainly repost others’ artwork I like on there,but I want to start having more of my own work on there too. Instagram is a brand newaddition for me: @wet_colour.”How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently postCovid-19?“The lockdowns were a strange time. That initial collective fear of an unknown threat that we all experienced gave way to a more individualised response over time. Day-to-day life here was pretty chill. Just pottered about on the property. I got a lot of work done on the place that would have otherwise been put on the backburner. I missed the freedom to travel most of all.“Post-Covid? I have learnt to ignore more comprehensively the directives of the government and the majority of corporate media spin. They lost me.”What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“I’m interested in exploring alternative processes with my photography, and in dedicatingmore time to my business practice. It’s been many years since I was anything more than an shutterbug enthusiast. More exhibiting in local shows. And lots more chasing waves.”

Central’s Gabi Lind is a chef, inspired by the landscape, her garden and her love of food turning nourishment into art. She has 25 years of experience and believes Central’s beautiful backyard brings so much to the table.Where do you live in Central Otago?“I live in Bannockburn, on our small property in the heart of the township. “We bought and built eight years ago. The reason for building there was I could see the potential for being able to build a great garden. The growing conditions were fantastic.” Bannockburn chef and gardener Gabi Lind.How did you get started as an artist?“I always loved cooking, I basically grew up cooking with my mum, she taught me a lot.“I’d dreamed of being able to travel the world and I figured the best way to do that was to become a chef. I love food, I love feeding people. I think of cooking as my love language. “Nothing says love to me than a plate of food that I’ve made and placed in front of someone to nourish them.“I think food can be part of the creative area. It’s how we look at a dish when we create it as a whole with taste first, then texture, how it makes us feel and then lastly how it looks, very much like how a painter or sculptor thinks.” Chefs are creating a feast for eyes and stomachs. PHOTO: supplied How have you ended up living and working here?“I grew up very luckily all over the South Island. [I was] born on the West Coast, had my early years in the Catlins then moved to Stewart Island before going to boarding school in Invercargill. “My parents moved to Cromwell about 20 years ago and one summer I wasn’t working and came and spent a couple months here. One thing led to another and I found a job that I loved with a boss that really let me do my own thing.” What’s your favourite spot in Central?“Nothing is better to me than being able to go walking in the hills, we are very fortunate that only a wee drive away we have some of the most beautiful countryside.” What else are you involved in within the community?“[My] hope in the future is to become more active [in the community]. I’d like to get involved in the area of food sustainability and the availability of good nutritional food for everyone. To understand where our food comes from and the understanding of how it is produced.” What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?“I believe Central is at a crossroads. We were always this small area of New Zealand that nobody really thought about. We just went about doing our own thing. Producing incredible things; our wine industry, our horticulture and having the area for growth is immense but now we need to sit back and really think about what we really want from things. “Where does Central want to be in 20 years time, 50 years time? [Currently] we are very fortunate we’ve managed to ride out some of the big issues the rest of the country is facing but now I think we need to future proof ourselves to be able to continue growing in a direction that is sustainable.” Gabi’s photography is eye-candy too, along with landscapes, dogs, gardens, and delicious looking kai (food) all feature on her social media accounts. PHOTO: instagram How can people find out more about your art?“The Kitchen Garden can be found through our website. “I’m planning a few pop-up events throughout the year [too]. You can also find us on Instagram @thekitchengardennz.” How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently postCovid-19?“The Kitchen Garden actually grew from lock down. I’d been working for other people for a number of years and had got to the stage when I was a bit over working for someone else’s vision.“I had the time to step back and really think about what I wanted my future to be. When we’d built our place I’d had in the back of my mind that one day I’d be running something from it so had built the kitchen to be a commercial kitchen and had designed the gardens far bigger than we’d ever need. “We’d lost our brother a couple of years previously from cancer and I was at that stage where I didn’t want to put off doing the things I wanted just because we had a mortgage or because we wanted to go on holiday. It was a case of now or never.” What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“Over the years of the business it’s grown and evolved. Now going into another summer season I feel I’m just about in the perfect place and with a wee bit more tweaking I’ll finally get that work life balance that [everyone] strives for.” 

Where do you live in Central Otago?“I have lived in Frankton with my wife since the start of 2015. We also have a three-year-old son. I love this wider region and have worked tirelessly over the past few years to help create opportunities for the visual arts here and especially contemporary art. “With the right guidance, both Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago have a huge amount of potential to become significant rural art centres in the coming years.”How did you get started as an artist?“I have been painting since I was 20 years old, studying at Auckland University and have never stopped. “I wake up every day wanting to make art and it is a major part of my life.“I am driven to try and contribute something new to painting, something that reflects the times in which we are living, but also in terms of art history and concepts.”Flower Painting (Horse) 2023 Inkjet, acrylic, oil on canvas 1000 x 806mm.How have you ended up living and working here?“Born and raised in Auckland, but after spending a ski season in Queenstown in my early twenties, this region never left my mind. “After living overseas for 10 years, I was finally able to get a home here with my family. My mum and her partner also live in Cromwell, so we are always coming and going.”What’s your favourite spot in Central?“I enjoy walking around Bendigo and Bannockburn a lot. I think my favourite time of year is when it’s time to eat all this incredible fruit that grows across Central.”What else are you involved in within the community?“I have run two groundbreaking artist led galleries in Queenstown since 2019 andhelped show work by 300 artists, the vast majority of them from Queenstown and Central. “I am constantly trying to work out new ways to shine a light on new concepts in art here and broaden everyone’s experience as much as possible. “A future with traditional and contemporary art ideas and practices thriving and progressing side by side is what I hope we can all achieve.”Diamond Painting (Vase) 2023. Inkjet, Flashe on canvas, 910 x 728mm.What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?“Obviously geographically it is fairly isolated and the population is small, but then that is also its charm. It is a very desirable place for families to live and this is increasing, which is great. “In terms of art, I hope that the region can focus on maintaining and nurturing its unique history and traditions, while at the same time increasing its connection and dialogue with the wider world.”How can people find out more about your art?“My website is marcblake.co.nz, instagram is @marcblake__, and the gallery is brokergalleries.com.”How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?“During Covid-19 I rallied the local arts community and helped curate and stage some of the largest independent shows here ever, as well as enabling multiple solo shows for artists. “Our son was also born in 2020, which had its own unique challenges. Since then, I am just happy to be able to travel and see lots of new art again.”Diamond Painting (Mist) 2023, inkjet, Flashe, acrylic, oil, inkjet collage, on canvas, 1500 x 1200mm. PHOTO: Marc Blake websiteWhat does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“To continue to push and challenge myself as much as possible and to strive to be original. I’ll be getting a new studio and gallery set up in Frankton soon, so watch this space.”

Alexandra woman Linnet Julius is an artist, a senior solicitor at Checketts McKay and a mum of two boys aged 10 and 13. Where do you live in Central Otago?“I live in Alexandra, and am loving the beautiful blossoms around as we get ready for blossom festival. It’s my favourite time of year.”How did you get started as an artist?“I started drawing from an early age. My grandfather Ray Melhop was an artist as well as an engineer in Invercargill. I have memories of him showing me how he painted and he would always send a card that he had drawn for my birthday with a note in it. “My mum also liked to draw. I took art subjects at school and it has continued from there. [Art is] always my happy place to come back to.”Pen sketch of Kaka in progress. How have you ended up living and working here?“I grew up in Auckland, went to University in Dunedin and then married a local Alex boy. We decided to move down to Alexandra when my oldest son was about seven months old in 2011. Almost a local?”What's your favourite spot in Central?“I love getting out walking in summer with friends, at Butchers dam and behind the clock. I have also lived in Wānaka for a few years so love visiting there too.”What else are you involved in within the community? “I am a cub leader with Scouts NZ, on the Terrace School Parent Teacher Association and also get involved with my children's sports, cricket and football.”What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central Otago?“The cost of living and lack of housing for people is coming to be a real issue here. This seems to be the case throughout New Zealand, but I think it is amplified here due to the lack of accommodation for workers.”How can people find out more about your art? “My art prints are at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery and Mainstreet Barbers for purchase. “People can contact me directly via Instagram or Facebook @linneydraws. I have an etsy store linneydraws as well that people can [check out]. “I also do commissions and at the moment completing a picture in memory of a beautiful chocolate labrador for his owners.“People can email me at [email protected] too.”Postcard sized prints by Linnet. How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?“Like most people, it was a bit of a shock and a surreal experience to go through. My work was amazing and we managed to set up so that staff could work from home. “It was a juggle working from home and also ensuring my boys carried out their online learning. “I now work from home one day a week which I didn’t do before the pandemic.”Pen sketch of a Kiwi.What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“I hope to be able to continue drawing and producing art. I’ve got a few ideas in my head that I need to get on paper.“I am also hoping to grow my presence as an artist in between the daily juggle of family and work.”Portrait of Snoop Dogg. PHOTOS: The Central App and supplied

Alexandra woman Camille Alabaster is a potter, a painter and a mixed media creator, she is a full time artist.Where do you live in Central Otago?“I live in Alexandra. My family first arrived in Central Otago in the 1850s at St Bathans. Future settlers became my great-great-great grandparents, farming in the Maniototo thus establishing this region as my spiritual home. How did you get started as an artist?“I have always been a creative and have taken part in many workshops, courses and programmes to hone my skills in several genres. I can’t imagine a life without creativity. Surely that would be called death?“I have been a member of the American Creative Visionary Programme in 2022 and 2023, then won a place in the Cold Wax Academy this year. Both programmes have developed my technical skills as well as encouraging my unique artistic voice, especially in my abstract painting.“My studio at the back of our property looks out to Leaning Rock which has been an inspiration to me as she constantly changes and points upwards towards the future as I also aspire for my art.”One of Camille’s works ‘Red Songbird - red braid’. How have you ended up living and working here?“Despite having been born and brought up in Dunedin and living in many parts of New Zealand as an adult, Central Otago called me back home. I love nine months of the annual climate here but have also been fortunate to be able to spend many years in the French summer.”What's your favourite spot in Central?“My favourite spot in Central Otago is the Lower Manorburn Dam. It is so peaceful there and the water is usually still and has beautiful reflections in any season. I have shot some great photos there. I have a dog and an e-bike, which both take me exploring through this beautiful region and out of my studio.”Ceramic art and pottery homewares are fired in Camille’s kiln.What else are you involved in within the community?“When I'm not in my studio, I keep busy with my three grandsons and their activities. I am a member of several art related groups. I also meet with a group of creative Christian women most fortnights. I even play golf when I'm able to.”What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central Otago?“The biggest challenge for Central Otago is balance. Environmental and economic forces vie against each other. We need a backpacking seasonal labour force. I am not sure that we need "high end" travellers who demand top hotels and artificial experiences.“I would like to see our tourism focus on our environment and its conservation. We need more affordable housing and could take lessons from Europe where housing is vibrant and multi-level, even in the small towns, leaving productive land to continue to contribute economically.A painting titled ‘Alexandra Bridge- castle in the Otago ice kingdom’.“We could promote our region as an arts and wine destination, similar to the Nelson area. However, I have lost count of the number of arts related groups here who compete for funds and members. Until they . . . become more inclusive, they will continue to be scattered in their focus and unable to form a singular direction to market themselves.”How can people find out more about your art? My studio is at 30 Killarney Street in Alexandra. When I'm working in the studio, I put up my flag outside and visitors are welcome. Or txt me on 0212 454 737 to arrange a viewing. “My group, Artists Quarter, will be exhibiting at Central Stories Art Gallery and Museum from November 5 until December 5. I’ll be showing much of my current work for the first time and will be present often between 10am and 4pm. Text first to check.“We will have paintings, ceramics, Christmas decor, fabric creations, traditional Māori weaving and demonstrations. It’s cash and carry so there is no need to wait until the last day of the exhibition to collect the treasures.“I’m on Facebook as Camille Alabaster Gallery, Camille Alabaster Photography, Instagram @camille_alabaster_art or www.camillealabaster.net.”How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?“The pandemic was great . . . it gave me uninterrupted time in my studio. It was easy to enter a "flow" state and creativity flowed. I already had enough material, a kiln and a wheel and plenty of painting supplies to last me through the lockdown. This time was valuable, like a residency with all the comforts of home. “I managed to create an inventory of pottery and paintings, which I'm still managing to sustain. There's nothing worse than having people come to see my work and having very little on the walls nor shelves of my studio.”What Lies Beneath - abstracted tales by Camille.  What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?“I'm really excited about the future direction of my art, especially showcasing my 2023 work for the first time at Central Stories in November. It has been a huge undertaking to produce the work and now to put the final details into the exhibition.“In December I'll be taking a rest and recharging ready for whatever 2024 brings. There are a few new ideas in the pipeline.”PHOTOS: Supplied